Article by Contributor Gaia Zecchillo
You can read this article in Italian here
The autumn season has already begun, and Milan, in addition to its beautiful foliage, also brings us the first rainy and cold days. If you’re feeling down because of the gray sky (and the early dark due to daylight saving time), don’t worry! With a bit of curiosity and creativity, you can turn a gloomy rainy weekend into a pleasant and inspiring one. Don’t believe it? Here are 10+ things to do in Milan when it rains (and at the end, a handy list for you to screenshot).
Creative Workshops in Milan to Escape Boredom and Have Fun
Would you like to spend a couple of hours doing something creative? Milan has plenty to offer: from crochet to painting, to sketching. It won’t be hard to find a hundred ideas to brighten up a gray autumn afternoon. If you’re not sure what to choose, here’s a small preview.
Oda Milano is a space where you can meet and share moments of free creative expression. Here, you can explore various mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art, while meeting other like-minded people. What are you waiting for? Just check out the website to find the right event.
If you love painting or want to give it a try, Paint ‘n Sip is perfect for you. You’ll create your masterpiece with the expert guidance of teachers, while enjoying a delicious aperitif. A fun and different way to make new friends and unleash your creative spirit (all events are listed on the Paint ‘n Sip Instagram page).
Treat Yourself to Breakfast (or a Snack!) at a Café
The day is made in the morning, and, sticking to the cliché, the morning has gold in its mouth. So, what could be better than a nice breakfast at a café to lift your spirits and pamper yourself right from the start? For me, it’s a tried-and-tested method when I’m feeling a little down, perhaps because of the weather. So, during these early autumn weekends, I’ve tried three spots that immediately made me feel better.
Let’s start strong with the delightful croissants at Naëve (Via della Moscova 51 – M2 Moscova metro stop), just a short walk from the Moscova metro station. I fell in love with the one filled with matcha cream and practically devoured it. What can I say? Chapeau!
An interesting alternative is PanPerMe, a small but cozy gluten-free bakery between Porta Romana and Porta Venezia (exactly at Viale Monte Nero, 57). I tried their pain au chocolat (delicious), but there’s really no shortage of sweet and savory options. You’ll find a constantly changing menu and tempting cakes for your celebrations.
If you prefer a café where time seems to have stopped and you can breathe in the scent of Milanese tradition, I have just the right place for you: Pasticceria Sissi (Piazza Risorgimento, 6 – M1, M4 metro lines, or Dateo Passante and Bus 61). You’ll love it from the first bite. Here is a complete review.
Exploring Art Exhibitions: Museums Not to Miss in Milan
An always valid and effective solution for rainy days in Milan? Enjoying one of the many exhibitions in the city. Milan offers an embarrassment of choices. Here are a few art galleries and museums I’ve visited often, rich in works and interesting exhibitions:
- Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Duomo, 12 (M1 – M3 metro lines), open Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Thursday until 10:30 PM)
- Mudec, Museum of Cultures, Via Tortona, 56 (M2 metro, Tram 2, 14), open Monday: 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Thursday and Saturday until 10:30 PM
- Fondazione Prada, Largo Isarco, 2 (M3 metro, Tram 24, 65), open Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Closed on Tuesdays
- Pinacoteca di Brera, Via Brera, 28 (M1, M3 metro, Tram 2, 12, 14), open Tuesday – Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM
- Museo del Risorgimento, Via Borgonuovo, 23 (M3 metro, Tram 1), open Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Gallerie d’Italia, Piazza della Scala, 6 (M1, M3 metro, Tram 14, 16), open Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Thursday until 10:30 PM)
- GAM – Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Via Palestro 16 (M1, M3 metro, Tram 1, 2, 9, Bus 94, 61), open Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Museo del Novecento, Piazza Duomo, 8 (M1, M3 metro), open Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Thursday until 10:30 PM)
And for true art enthusiasts, here’s a sweet opportunity: many of these museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Why not take advantage of it?
Movie Night: The Most Famous Cinemas in Milan
When it rains in Milan, it doesn’t always mean you have to stay home watching movies and TV series. Cinema remains one of those priceless pleasures, not just in autumn and winter. The most famous and frequented cinemas?
- Multisala Colosseo, Viale Monte Nero, 84 (Tram 19, 12, Bus 60)
- Cinema Plinius, Viale Abruzzi, 28 (M1 metro, Bus 60, 61)
- Arcobaleno Film Center, Viale Tunisia, 11 (M1, M3 metro, Tram 1)
- CityLife Anteo, Piazza Tre Torri, 1/l (M3, M5 metro)
- Anteo Palazzo del Cinema, P.za XXV Aprile, 8 (M3 metro, Tram 2)
- Cinema Multisala Eliseo, Via Torino, 64 (M1, M3 metro or Tram 3, 2, 14)
- Cinema Orfeo Multisala, Viale Coni Zugna, 50 (M2 metro)
- Multisala Gloria, Corso Vercelli (M1 metro, Tram 16)
And since a good movie always sparks a healthy appetite, check out the nearby restaurants to these cinemas.
10+ Things to Do in Milan When It Rains
Finally, here’s a handy list of activities perfect for a rainy day in Milan, with some additional suggestions:
- Have breakfast or a snack at a café, our favorites are listed here
- Have fun creating at Oda Milano or Paint ‘n Sip
- Visit the Civic Aquarium
- Visit the Civic Planetarium Ulrico Hoepli
- Relax at QC Terme
- Have fun with friends in an Escape Room
- Spend an afternoon (or evening!) bowling
- Challenge each other in teams at Laser Tag
- Take a tour of one of the many city museums, even better if on free-entry days
- Visit one of the many temporary exhibitions in the city
- Relax at the cinema
- Enjoy an evening at the theater
Article by Contributor Gaia Zecchillo
Do you have other ideas for a rainy day in Milan? Let me know on Facebook or Instagram!
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